Discover Bird Bath Fountains and Why You Need One

Attract More Birds With Moving Water

By Melissa Mayntz
Updated on 09/21/20
bird bath fountain

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto 

Water is essential for birds and while a simple bird bath can provide space for drinking and preening, more elaborate designs like bird bath fountains have many benefits and can attract more birds to any birder's yard.

About Bird Bath Fountains

A birdbath fountain is more than a simple basin filled with water. A bird fountain will include a pump to circulate the water into a flowing, falling, or splashing arrangement, as well as unique structures and designs to make the most of drips, splashes, and streams. The pump may be solar, electric, or battery operated, and the flow capacity can vary from a simple spray or dribble to a larger, more vigorous waterfall. The overall capacities, depths, sizes, shapes, and materials for bird bath fountains vary greatly, but the most common and popular designs include:

  • Tiered basins with smaller basins flowing or dribbling into a deeper bottom reservoir from several symmetrically spaced spouts
  • A small spray or bubbler in the center of a single basin creating an upward fountain that splashes back into the pool or causes continuous rippling
  • Cascades of rocks, jars, pots, or similar elements in a staircase arrangement of gradually increasing sizes with the largest reservoir at the bottom
  • One or more spigots on the sides of the basin that spray toward the center, often onto a central figure or focal point
  • Wall-mounted tiered designs that lack pedestals but offer the same flowing features, including small basins or bowls at the base
  • Weeping styles where a small bubbler at the top flows over a rock or other textured surface into a lower basin but without aerial splashing

In addition to different styles of fountains, there is great variety in aesthetic looks. Geometric designs are popular, as are natural accents such as small sculptures or carvings of butterflies, flowers, birds, frogs, turtles, dragonflies, and other creatures that might enjoy the water. Some fountains are plain, while others are embellished with colorful accents. When selecting a fountain, opt for a design that matches well with the theme or overall look of your yard or garden so it blends well with the landscape.

Because fountains can require more upkeep than a simple concrete birdbath or other basic basin, birders should carefully consider the pros and cons of these designs before investing in a fountain.

Pros
Cons

  • Evaporation: Moving water will evaporate more quickly. If the basin level gets too low, the pump could be damaged or will not work as efficiently.

  • Price: Because of the pump mechanism, bird bath fountains are typically more expensive than simpler models, and both battery and electric models require some minimal cost to operate.

  • Seasonal Use: To protect delicate pumps and piping, fountains are not suitable outdoors in areas with winter freezes, though they can be used year-round in very mild or southern climates.

Where to Buy Bird Bath Fountains

While most garden centers or bird supply stores will have a limited selection of fountains suitable for bird bath use, a greater variety of sizes and designs can be found online.

The 9 Best Bird Baths of 2023


The price of fountains ranges from $100 to $500 (USD) and higher depending on the fountain's size, style, materials, and intricacy. Since fountains can be very heavy, be sure to include shipping costs to determine the total price, and investigate warranty and guarantee offers that may be necessary if the fountain is damaged or does not function correctly.

Caring for a Fountain

A birdbath fountain can be easy to care for if the proper steps are taken to keep it functioning well. Before using the fountain, read all instructions carefully, and install the fountain as recommended on a level, sturdy surface where it is not likely to be bumped or tipped. Avoid placing the fountain near a bird feeder where the pump could be more easily clogged with discarded seed hulls or other debris, and use a small net (the same as used to catch fish in a fish tank) to regularly skim trash out of the fountain between cleanings to keep it working more smoothly. Discontinue fountain use long before freezing weather, and be sure it is fully drained and dry before storing it for the winter so no cracks or other damage occurs. To keep the pump working at its peak, check the water level daily and add more water as needed to replace what is lost to splashing and evaporation.

A birdbath fountain can be a delightful addition to any garden, and the gentle splashing of water will not only attract more thirsty and curious birds, but will add more relaxation to any birder's yard.